The bill would create $6,500-a-year vouchers for up to 500 special-education students the first year. The program would increase by 500 a year until it reaches 2,500 students. Money could go toward private school tuition, tutoring or therapy related to education.

Supporters said the vouchers would offer hope to children whose needs are not being met by public schools. Opponents said vouchers would help too few of Mississippi’s nearly 66,500 special-needs students.